Dr. Gerhard Klassen – General Surgeon | Cochrane, ON

Dr. Gerhard Klassen is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Ross Memorial Hospital and performing surgeries at Lady Minto Hospital in Cochrane, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Klassen has developed expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. He performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His approach is committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.

Dr. Klassen graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 43 years of experience as a General Surgeon, he has been practicing since 1981. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring he maintains the highest standards of surgical practice and ongoing professional development.

His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Klassen emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He is dedicated to utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recovery and to collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Additionally, he is committed to surgical excellence for patients in Cochrane and communicates effectively in both English and German, to serve a diverse patient population.

Dr. Gerhard Klassen provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Klassen addresses common and complex diseases of the digestive system that may necessitate surgical procedures performed by a general surgeon.

• Diverticulitis / Diverticular Disease: Inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract, usually the colon.
• Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease Complications (Perforation, Bleeding, Obstruction): Procedures to relieve gastric outlet obstruction caused by chronic ulceration.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Klassen addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.

• Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Requires expertise in endocrine surgery to preserve vital structures.
• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Gerhard Klassen is necessary.

• Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Optimizing patient health before elective surgical procedures.
• Colonoscopy: An important procedure for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
• Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical removal of the gallbladder, commonly for gallstones (cholelithiasis) or gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Minimally invasive approaches for procedures like cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, and colectomy, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.

Note: This list provides an overview of common surgical areas. Specific procedures and treatment plans are determined on an individual basis after consultation with Dr. Klassen.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Klassen's primary practice is located at Ross Memorial Hospital, situated in the heart of Cochrane's medical community. The clinic is conveniently accessible from major healthcare facilities in the region and is easily reached via local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy, providing a professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Patients and visitors can generally find parking in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities, ensuring ease of access for all.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Klassen?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Klassen is usually made by your family doctor or another specialist when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical evaluation or treatment. This could include persistent abdominal pain, a new lump or mass (e.g., in the breast or skin), symptoms of gallbladder disease, a hernia, signs of appendicitis, or concerns about colorectal conditions. They also manage conditions initially identified through screening, like colon polyps or early-stage breast cancer.

What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Klassen?

Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Klassen varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the procedure, whether it was open or laparoscopic, your overall health, and individual healing factors. For minor procedures, recovery might be a few days to a couple of weeks. For more major abdominal surgeries, it could be several weeks to a few months. Dr. Klassen will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.

Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Klassen?

Not necessarily. A consultation with a General Surgeon like Dr. Klassen is an opportunity to evaluate your condition, discuss diagnostic findings, and explore all treatment options. In some cases, surgery may be the recommended course of action, but in others, non-surgical management, observation, or further investigation might be more appropriate. Dr. Klassen will provide a comprehensive assessment and recommend the best approach for your specific situation, ensuring you are fully informed to make a decision.

Does Dr. Klassen perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Klassen to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. Klassen would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Klassen perform?

As a General Surgeon, Dr. Klassen is skilled in a variety of surgical procedures. Common operations include appendectomies (appendix removal), cholecystectomies (gallbladder removal), hernia repairs, bowel resections (for conditions like cancer or diverticulitis), thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and surgeries for breast conditions. Many of these can be performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques, which often lead to quicker recovery. The specific procedures offered depend on Dr. Klassen's areas of focus within general surgery.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Klassen ever specialize further?

Indeed. After completing general surgery residency, surgeons can opt for further fellowship training to subspecialize. Dr. Klassen, as a General Surgeon, has a wide scope of practice, but some general surgeons focus more on specific areas like vascular surgery, pediatric surgery (if they have dual certification or focus), or cancer surgery (surgical oncology). General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions. This allows them to offer highly specialized care within those fields while maintaining their broad general surgical skills.

Ross Memorial Hospital
241 Eighth St
Cochrane, ON P0L 1C0

Clinic Phone: (705) 272-7200

The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Klassen is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Klassen for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Klassen's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Klassen-Gerhard/0046497-60475